‘Highly Relevant’ cell therapy for acute corona-related respiratory distress

A stem cell product, MultiStem, has been designated ‘Highly Relevant’ for corona-related acute respiratory distress syndrome. The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA; DC, USA) has designated MultiStem® as a ‘Highly Relevant’ cell therapy for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). ARDS is the primary cause of fatality following COVID-19 infection, resulting in a significantly decreased oxygen uptake, but currently has limitedly effective treatments. MultiStem, a bone marrow-derived stem cell product that contains multipotent adult progenitor cells known as MAPC, was developed by Athersys Inc. (OH, USA) for the treatment of ARDS prior to the COVID-19 outbreak. Having already obtained...